WiiM expands whole-home audio with new soundbar
▼ Summary
– WiiM is releasing its first soundbar, the WiiM Bar, for $479 in July, featuring a 3.0.2 Atmos configuration with eight drivers and four passive radiators.
– The soundbar can be expanded to a 3.1.2 system with a WiiM Sub Pro or a 5.1.2 surround setup with wireless speakers, and supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, room correction, and dialogue enhancement.
– It stands out with a 2.1-inch round touch display for volume, playback info, and controls, plus illuminated capacitive buttons for volume, play/pause, and source switching.
– The WiiM Bar integrates into a multi-room system, supports over 20 streaming services via the WiiM Home app, and connects with Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, but lacks Apple AirPlay.
– Connections include HDMI eARC, optical, line in, Ethernet, and a configurable USB-A port, with an included remote control for operation.
WiiM, the audio brand that has built a reputation for delivering high-end sound without the high-end price tag, is taking a major step into the home theater space. The company has announced the WiiM Bar, a new soundbar that will launch in July, marking its first foray into this category. Priced at $479, the WiiM Bar continues the company’s tradition of offering extensive streaming support and expandability at a compelling value.
The soundbar features a 3.0.2 Atmos configuration powered by eight drivers: three front mid-woofers, three front tweeters, and two up-firing full-range height drivers, all complemented by four passive radiators. For those seeking deeper bass, the system can be upgraded to a 3.1.2 setup by adding the WiiM Sub Pro, which costs $449. Going further, users can build a full 5.1.2 surround system by incorporating two of WiiM’s wireless Sound or Sound Lite speakers. The Bar is compatible with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and includes room correction, dialogue enhancement, and a night mode for flexible listening.
While many modern soundbars from Sonos, Bose, and Samsung favor sleek, minimalist designs, the WiiM Bar takes a different approach with a 2.1-inch round touch display positioned prominently on the front. This isn’t the first WiiM device to feature a touchscreen; similar displays appear on the WiiM Ultra streamer, WiiM Amp Ultra, and WiiM Sound speaker. The screen shows volume levels, playback info, and album art, and provides an additional control method. However, given that most people aren’t standing near their soundbar while listening, the practical utility of that display remains debatable. The Bar also includes illuminated capacitive buttons for volume, play/pause, and source switching.
Integration with an existing WiiM multi-room system is seamless. The Bar can stream audio from over 20 services via the WiiM Home app, and supports Google Cast Audio, Spotify Connect, Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, and Amazon Music Cast. Local network playback is available through DLNA or Roon. Notably, Apple AirPlay is absent, a feature that has been missing from WiiM products since the Amp launched in November 2023.
Connectivity options include HDMI eARC, optical, line in, Ethernet, and a USB-A port that can be configured for audio input, output, or media storage. A remote control is included for those who prefer it over the app or on-board controls.
The WiiM Bar, arriving in July, feels like just the opening chapter. Given the company’s track record, a higher-tier model likely isn’t far off, perhaps arriving later this year or early next. But even if that doesn’t happen, the $479 WiiM Bar looks like an exceptional value from a company that consistently delivers impressive audio performance.
(Source: The Verge)